THE CHILDREN IN HOSPITAL TEAM

Anna Gunning
Chief Executive Officer

I started with the organisation in 2017 having worked in the related areas of children and youth for over 30 years. I worked with the National Youth Council of Ireland to develop, implement and manage programmes and policy relating to the provision of youth work in Ireland. I worked as a freelance consultant for many years and supported organisations in programme and strategy development relating to children and young people. I also worked with Youth Advocate Programmes Ireland and managed their programmes for young people who needed additional support.
My role in Children in Hospital Ireland is to work under the direction of the Board to implement our strategic plan and to develop services and actions which promote the welfare of all children in hospital and their families. I am privileged to lead this exciting organisation with an amazing team of volunteers and staff and our partners in the children’s health area.

Elizabeth Morrin
Volunteer Manager

I joined Children in Hospital Ireland in September 2017 having discovered a passion for working with and supporting volunteers in my previous role at Dublin based non-profit Solas Project. I am originally from New York and am so happy to call Ireland home. I have a Masters in International Peace Studies from Trinity College Dublin, where I focused on children’s rights. Children in Hospital Ireland allows me to work closely with people and to support a charity driven by the rights of children and the real needs of families. The best part of my work however is meeting each of our unique and incredible volunteers.

Jessica Hurley
JustAsk Volunteer Coordinator

I joined the Children in Hospital Ireland team in January 2023. I have a background working in the medical sector as an administrator. I have always had a passion for working with children, having done fundraising for various children’s charities in the past. When the opportunity presented itself to work for Children in Hospital Ireland I was delighted to join the CIH team as the JustAsk Volunteer Coordinator. I very much look forward to supporting all of our wonderful volunteers in their roles.

Daria Chapman
Volunteer Coordinator

I joined Children in Hospital in March 2024 as a Child and Family Support Volunteer Coordinator, having previously volunteered as a Play volunteer in CHI at Connolly Hospital. I am dedicated to ensuring that families facing challenging times in healthcare settings receive the vital support they need. With a professional background rooted in Early Years Education and Care, I profoundly believe in the transformative power of play for children, as well as the profound impact of compassionate assistance during difficult circumstances. I am looking forward to supporting our wonderful team of volunteers offering a range of support services tailored to the unique needs of each family, from providing emotional support and companionship to assisting with practical tasks and offering respite, ensuring families feel supported, heard, and valued throughout their healthcare journey.

Helen Jones
Project Officer

I started with Children in Hospital Ireland in July 2022 having recently return from living in Canada. In my most recent roles I worked in Ronald McDonald House and the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Canada. In my role as Project Officer with Children in Hospital Ireland I am partnering with families and professionals to develop a range of supports for families with a child receiving hospital care, including the new digital Resource Hub, a range of print information on key topics and information sessions for families . I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project and to work with such a patient and family centred organisation.

Maeve Majewski
Family Support Officer

I joined Children in Hospital in January 2024 as their Family Support Officer and I am so excited be part of this amazing team. My professional background is working with preschool and primary school age children. I am cognisant of how precious childhood is and how important it is for the right supports to be in place to protect this critical time. I have recently completed a post graduate qualification in Trauma Informed Practice with University College Cork and I am passionately committed to providing support to families when they are experiencing stressful life events such as having a child receive hospital care. I feel privileged to be working for Children in Hospital and look forward to developing my role as Family Support Officer.

Niamh Lawlor
Information and Communications Officer

I joined the team here in Children in Hospital in March 2023. I have 3 years experience working in a communications agency supporting a broad range of clients with PR, content creation, events and social media. During my time there, I found myself gravitating towards clients in the non-profit sector where I could support them by telling their story and use communications to support their fundraising initiatives. I have a true passion for working with organisations that support people and local communities. I’m so excited to support the team here and to be able to amplify the incredible work that’s being done to support children and families in hospital.  

Emma Rochford
Office Administrator

I joined Children In Hospital in October 2023. I am also a proud CIH volunteer in Tallaght University Hospital. I have a Commerce degree from University College Dublin. Once I finished my degree, I moved into a tax graduate programme before starting in CIH. I love working with children and am very interested in the charity sector. Every day is totally different. I love working for Children In Hospital – all the team, board and volunteers are amazing to work with.

Making hospital a happier place for children through play and advocacy

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